Photo from Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): A grand opening ceremony marked the start of the country's famous That Luang festival and trade fair on Saturday, marking the beginning of Laos’ most important religious and cultural event, which blends faith, heritage, and commerce.
The opening ceremony, led by Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, was attended by Party and state leaders, representatives of international organisations, invited guests, and residents from across Vientiane.
This year’s festival runs from November 1-5, coinciding with the full moon period, and features a wide range of activities rooted in religion and culture.
Prof. Dr Kikeo expressed confidence that the festival would serve to preserve the nation’s special cultural traditions while also boosting the sale of Lao products and attracting a large number of both Lao and foreign tourists.
He urged all government agencies, private enterprises, international partners, and Lao people of all ethnic groups to share in festival activities joyfully and safely, to ensure the success of the annual event.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Vientiane, Dr Athsaphangthong Siphandone, said the festival was one of the most beautiful and longstanding cultural traditions of the Lao people, passed down from generation to generation since the time of King Setthathirath.
Photo from Vientiane Times/ANN
The King led the Lao people to restore the That Luang grand stupa in 1560 when he moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and led a seven-day, seven-night celebration that became the foundation of today’s annual festival.
On Monday evening, merit-making prayers will take place inside the That Luang complex, followed by the wax castle procession on Tuesday afternoon.
On the final day on Wednesday, an early morning almsgiving ceremony will take place, followed by the traditional Lao-style hockey match. The festival will come to an end in the evening, when a candlelight procession around the stupa takes place under the full moon.
Throughout the five-day event, visitors can enjoy festivities from 7:30am to 11:30pm, including performances, food stalls, and handicraft displays.
In addition, the That Luang trade fair features more than 2,300 stalls set up at the That Luang esplanade and Lao-ITECC to display and sell agricultural produce, handicrafts, cultural items, and goods produced by large, medium, and small enterprises.
Also on sale are goods produced under the One District, One Product scheme and traditional snacks such as khao lam (sticky rice in bamboo tubes) and grilled chicken.
To enhance friendship and economic ties, cities in Vietnam, China, Cambodia and Thailand have been invited to exhibit products for sale, contributing to regional cultural and trade.
The festival grounds have been beautifully decorated with traditional symbols, colourful lanterns, flower displays and scenic photo corners along the main pathway leading to the stupa.
A performance stage at the That Luang esplanade features nightly music and dance shows from 8-10:30pm, highlighting the creativity and identity of artists from different provinces.
The organising committee said this year’s festival aims to offer visitors an unforgettable experience of faith, tradition, and cultural harmony, while promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the economy.
Thousands of people from across the country and abroad are expected to share in the festivities, which embody the spirit of devotion and unity among the Lao people. -- Vientiane Times/ANN
